JUNE 30 MFA PRESS BREIFING: ASEAN+3, FIVE PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 001804 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM MARR PHSA AO BM CH JA IR KN KS SW TW SUBJECT: JUNE 30 MFA PRESS BREIFING: ASEAN+3, FIVE PARTY TALKS, GREEN DAM, HONDURAS ¶1. Key points at the June 30 MFA press briefing: -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Qin Gang stated that China would continue to "play a constructive role" through the ASEAN+3 and Regional Security Forum and, given that the international security and economic situation was "changing rapidly," urged relevant countries to "cooperate and work together." -- China maintained that all should "adhere to dialogue and consultation," as well as the Six-Party Talks to realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. -- China was "unaware" of the planned July 1 Internet boycott and referred all questions about Green Dam to "competent authorities." -- China "expressed concern" over the situation in Honduras and hoped that stability could be "restored shortly." ASEAN+3 and Regional Forum -------------- ¶2. Chinese leaders, including the Foreign Minister, planned to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN+3 leaders meeting, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang at the June 30 regularly scheduled press briefing. Specific dates and agenda topics were still uncertain, but Qin noted participants would give "positive consideration" to the financial crisis. Qin added that China would continue to "play a constructive role," adding that due to the international security and economic situation "changing rapidly," China urged relevant countries to "cooperate and work together" to jointly address the financial crisis and other global challenges. Five-Party Proposal -------------- ¶3. In response to a question on proposals for the creation of a Five-Party Talks mechanism to discuss recent events in the DPRK, Qin said that China believed all should "adhere to dialogue and consultation," as well as the Six-Party Talks to realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. China would, "as always," maintain communication and consultation with other parties on how to "push forward" the Six-Party Talks, Qin maintained. Internet Boycott of Green Dam -------------- ¶4. Qin claimed he was "unaware" of the planned July 1 mass boycott of the Internet in response to the mandatory installation of Green Dam software on computers sold in China after that date. Qin suggested that questions about the boycott, about the recent letter to Prime Minister Wen Jiabao from Chambers of Commerce and business groups that urged China to drop the plan to implement Green Dam, and as well as queries regarding which authorities could confirm Wen's receipt of the aforementioned letter should be referred to "competent authorities." Honduras Coup -------------- ¶5. China "expressed concern" over the situation in Honduras and hoped that stability could be "restored shortly," said Qin. Asked whether China would have relations with Honduras and its new president, Roberto Micheletti, Qin stated, China stood ready to work according to the One China Principle, the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to develop normal relations with other countries. G-8 Meeting -------------- ¶6. Competent Chinese officials, including Ministers, planned to accompany President Hu Jintao to Italy to attend the G-8 meeting, Qin announced. Qin told the journalists assembled that the MFA would hold a background briefing for Chinese and foreign journalists with more details -- releasing a relevant notice "shortly". China-Russia Joint Military Exercise -------------- BEIJING 00001804 002 OF 003 ¶7. China and Russia planned to conduct a joint military exercise, Peace Mission 2009 to "strengthen antiterrorism cooperation." This "important part" of their "strategic partnership" would also contribute to peace and tranquility for two countries and the region, said Qin. The exercise scenario would be an anti-terror drill, and military authorities were in "close coordination and cooperation." Qin referred questions about modalities for the exercise to the Ministry of National Defense. Russia Detains Chinese Cargo -------------- ¶8. Qin had "only just read" a media report suggesting that Russia had impounded Chinese cargo in Russia (NFI),and needed to check the story. China and Russia should maintain and develop normal trade relations, which was in the interest of "both countries," said Qin. Issues that crop up with people to people and trade exchanges should be solved in a "peaceful and friendly manner," said Qin. Qin "urged" Chinese engaged with Russia to observe local laws and "do more to promote friendship" between the two countries. Issues of customs declarations should be solved to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese citizens and their interests in Russia. CCP 88th Anniversary -------------- ¶9. Asked about the July 1 anniversary of the CCP founding, Qin noted that "remarkable changes" had taken place in China since the founding of the Party in 1921, adding that it was "all attributed to the CCP leadership." Each country should "choose their own path of development" based on national and international conditions, he explained. Qin went on to add that China hoped the DPRK would "continue to make progress" in development, but maintained the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and commitment to conduct exchanges on the basis of "equality and mutual benefit." Report of Kim Jung-un Visit -------------- ¶10. Qin told reporters that media speculation suggesting that DPRK heir apparent Kim Jung-un had recently visited China were "totally groundless," complaining that the media was "just obsessed," with the story. Yemen Airlines Plane Crash -------------- ¶11. Upon learning of the crash of a Yemeni airliner off the Comoros, the Chinese government expressed condolences to the families of victims. The MFA had instructed Chinese diplomatic missions overseas to check with the airline -- initial checks showed there were no Chinese citizens on board. Ma Ying-Jeou Canceled Visit to Honduras -------------- ¶12. In response to reports that President Ma Ying-Jeou's trip to South America was canceled, Qin reiterated that the One China Principle was the basis for China to develop friendly relations with other countries and was a "universal consensus" in the international community. China always dealt with Taiwan related issues on the basis of the One China Principle, he suggested. Visits -------------- ¶13. Qin confirmed that Ambassador Phillip Goldberg, President Obama's Special Coordinator for DPRK UNSCR 1874 sanctions was on his way to visit China for July 2 meetings in Beijing with officials from the Foreign Ministry and other authorities. China always implemented UNSCR sanctions with a "responsible attitude" and was ready to have communication with other countries on the implementation of UNSCR 1874, he added. ¶14. Asked about meetings in Washington between China, Japan, and the U.S. at the Director General level, Qin noted that many dialogue mechanisms among relevant countries existed and the "passage for communication was clear." Qin opined that similar consultative mechanisms could also play a role in "strengthening communication" BEIJING 00001804 003 OF 003 among relevant countries. GOLDBERG